River Towns Rotary Club Charter
Harry Boertzel
River towns have deep roots in the Delaware River’s banks, which daily channel billions of gallons of river energy under the New Hope Lambertville Free Bridge. Historic foundations run deep here: Washington’s Crossing, Bowman Tower and the Thompson-
Nealy Farmstead remain vibrant neighborhood revolutionary markers.
On February 24, 2026, the River Towns Rotary Club celebrated its charter from Rotary International - a service organization founded in 1905, which now operates in 200 countries with over 1.2 million members. The Club will join 1700 other Rotarians and 45 other clubs in local Rotary District 7430.
The Club’s by-laws state its mission:
For over a century the spirits of Rotary, the Delaware River and our river town communities have converged in New Hope and Lambertville. As the free walking bridge unites our river towns so did the Lambertville-New Hope Rotary Club for a century until its dissolution during Covid. Through the vision of Rotary District 7430, the River Towns Rotary Club sited in New Hope will restore this Rotary spirit, which will be extended through community, youth and senior service to Lambertville and river towns on both sides of the river.
The New Hope Solebury School District has been instrumental in the Club’s formation. Five staff members have joined as Rotarians, including Director of Education Amanda Benolken who will serve with retired judge Harry Boertzel as charter co-presidents. The
Club’s initial focus will been expanding membership to Lambertville and adjacent river towns. The Club welcomes service project proposals from river town communities. River towners who would like to learn more about Rotary can contact the Club at
rivertownsrotaryclub@gmail.com.
